Taehyung, an orphan and mischievous young boy, fell in love at first sight with Jeon Jeongguk, promising that one day he would marry him.
Years later, Taehyung enrolls at Seoul National University, where his life intertwines with Jeongguk, a literat...
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Jeongguk entered the classroom. After giving his usual warm greeting to the students, he walked to the board and wrote a single word:
Devotion
“Can someone explain what this means?” Jeongguk asked, his gaze sweeping the room.
Jiyeon was the first to raise her hand. “Commitment,”.
Minjun nodded in agreement. “Loyalty to something important,” he added.
Seojin chimed in, “Selfless love.”
Taemin, with confidence, remarked, “Putting others first.”
Jeongguk listened attentively, nodding thoughtfully at each response. He waited patiently until the last student had finished speaking, ensuring that everyone felt heard and valued.
“All of your answers are correct,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of approval.
“Devotion is a powerful concept that manifests in various ways. It’s not merely a feeling; it’s an action. It encompasses commitment, loyalty, and unwavering support, whether it’s toward a cause, a person, or a set of beliefs. True devotion often involves sacrifice—putting others before yourself and enduring challenges for something greater.”
He paused, allowing his words to resonate with the students. “Reflect on your own lives—your dedication to your studies, your support for your friends and family, or even your passion for a hobby. All of these are forms of devotion. It’s about what you choose to invest your time, energy, and heart into, even when it’s difficult. That’s where the essence of devotion lies.”
Jeongguk then picked up a book, holding it up for everyone to see.
“I’m going to give you five minutes,” he said. “Flip through the pages and find a poem that you believe relates to devotion. Share your thoughts on why it resonates with this theme. Remember, I’m not looking for perfect answers—just your personal insights.”
Jeongguk always aimed to keep his teaching style engaging and accessible. He stood by as the students leafed through the pages, giving them time to explore.
He knew that many had chosen literature as a minor because it was perceived as less challenging. However, Jeongguk understood that the subject could be as easy or as complex as he made it.
He wanted his classes to be stimulating and meaningful, avoiding a routine focus solely on sonnets, poems, or classic plays. Not everyone shared his deep love for literature.
So Jeongguk adjusted his syllabus to make it more relatable. He centered his themes around universal experiences—love, passion, justice, worship, and loyalty—focusing his lectures on one significant word at a time.
